CSC/ECE 506 Fall 2007/wiki1 5 jp07

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Section 1.1.4: Supercomputers.

Compare current supercomputers with those of 10 yrs. ago. Update Figures 1.10 to 1.12 with new data points. For 1.12, consult top500.org

Definition of Supercomputer

Supercomputer
  • The class of fastest and most powerful computers available. [1]
    An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second. [2]
    A time dependent term which refers to the class of most powerful computer systems world-wide at the time of reference. http://nhse.cs.rice.edu/NHSEreview/CMS/Chapter6.html]
    An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second. [3]

It is obvious that the term supercomputer has a definition that takes many forms. For some it refers to a definite set of goals such as, x number of instructions per second. For others it is about having the best possible performance of any computer at the current time. Still for some, the primary factor is price. In general, a supercomputer receives its classification because it is both one of the most expensive computers and one of the most powerful computers.


Look at:

A Brief History of Supercomputing

Seymour Cray

Computing Power Improvements

Recent Developments in Supercomputers

Supercomputing in the Media